EL

year

of passion and intimacy, a connection so that felt as though nothing else mattered. We indulged in ea

of his nose kissed my exposed breasts, with his hand cupping one of my boobs, shielding me f

ce startled me, breaki

o grab the tank top lying next to Dave. I slipped

properly to make myself presentable. Dad sto

angel," he said, his to

t that made me feel special, as though I was the center of his world. I

iscussion resurfaced. Back then, it had been about my poor academic performance, a time when Sam's betrayal still stung. He had cheated on me, seeking fantasi

was the happiest day of my life. I finally had a child of my own, someone to love and cherish forever. You've always been my

ying to gauge where this

eart pounded in my chest. What could he possibly be leading up to? Was this about school aga

ortlessly maintaining top grades. I envied his discipline and intelligence, though I admired him even mo

, I wished I could emulate his focus and confidence. Still, as Dad continued to spe

oice was calm but carried an undertone o

I replied, my voice steady tho

Evelyn. Tell me the truth,"

usands of thoughts raced through my head, but I forced myself to stay composed. I had never lied to my parents befo

ou, Dad," I said fir

oud of you. You have no idea how rare this is. Most girls your age aren't virgin

tle. Maybe this was just an innocent question after all.

u, Evelyn," he said before clearing his throat. "You know

roperties to keep the company afloat. We all knew things were bad, but

oing now?" My voice was laced with conce

pay a few staff, but I had to lay off many others. The company is on the verge of

etched into his face. I hated the look on my dad's face. He looke

want this to affect your education. I want to give you

ning forward. "You know I'll do

" he said finally, the wor

ke was dull, overly serious, and completely uninspiring. He lacked the charm or excitement I was drawn to, and worse, h

How could you even ask that of me? You're not being

eone if you don't give it a trial. I would never do anything to hurt you, but this is important. This union will save the company. It's everything I've worked for, every

d never seen him cry before. Mom once told me that the only time he ever shed tears was the day I was born

fantasies of what marriage and sex life should be. I had always imagined a future filled with passion and a lov

t if it's the only way to save your company, I'll do it." The words felt like poison, and as they l

'm so sorry. I never thought I'd be this kind of father. I never realized how selfish I was until now." His tears fell freely, each one a testament to his

o much to bear, it was obvious he desperately need the company to stand back on its feet. I didn't

ing in my chest as I left his study. As I walked back to my room, the disappointment was too much to mask. Dave, who had

What did he say?" he

ver hit me. But how could I tell Dave the truth? That Dad wanted to trade

bout my performance in school. He said I've been improving." T

tration. "Come here," he said sharply. Before I could rea